The US government plans to supply Taiwan with the advanced and modern weapons systems rather than the old ones sent to Ukraine, US congressman said.
The congressman Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it should not be a land war, but predominantly a battle at sea. Maritime systems are key, he said, as it is possible to prevent the enemy from reaching land and thus stop the clash. He noted at a press conference following a meeting with Taiwan’s chief of staff Lai Qingde:
Taiwan, unlike Ukraine, will receive new weapons systems, not old ones. This, by the way, will be our latest technology.
He emphasised that the US is assessing which weapons systems have the greatest deterrence potential. The congressman also added:
We will deliver the weapons you have ordered as soon as possible.
Earlier, Foreign Policy reported that Taiwan wants to buy US-made barrage munitions, also known as suicide drones, which have become one of the iconic weapons on the modern battlefield, hovering over combatants for hours before swooping down on them.
A delegation of US congressmen led by Michael McCaul visits Taiwan from 26 to 30 May to meet with the island nation’s leadership, according to the American Institute in Taiwan.
The statement said:
The delegation will meet with senior Taiwanese leaders and civil society representatives to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, and other important issues of mutual interest.
Beginning of a territorial dispute
Following the Communist revolution in China, the previously ruling Kuomintang Party moved to Taiwan in 1949. Beijing considers the island a Chinese province, Taipei rejects the “one country, two systems” model. The PRC’s national defence strategy does not rule out a forceful solution to the Taiwan issue in the absence of advancing peaceful reunification efforts. In particular, such a decision may be taken in case of intervention by external forces and supporters of the island’s independence.
Beijing regards the visits of officials from other countries as support for the island’s independence.
Ambiguous US stance on the Taiwan issue
The US officially adheres to the “one China” principle. At the same time, Washington provides support to Taipei, including arms supplies. US President Joe Biden has not ruled out the participation of US troops in the defence of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.
On May 20, Lai Ching-te officially took office as Taiwan’s president. During his inaugural speech, he appealed to China to recognise the island nation’s independence and to stop “intimidating Taiwan through political military means”. The new president warned that Taipei would not make concessions on its freedom and democracy.
China began military exercises off the coast of Taiwan on May 23, with the manoeuvres ending on May 24. The two-day exercise involved 111 aircraft and dozens of ships. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence reported that the manoeuvres involved some 15 warships, 16 naval police vessels, 42 military aircraft, and for the first time live ammunition was used.
Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian later said the purpose of the exercise was to “test the combat capabilities of troops in joint operations”. He warned Taiwan of “playing with fire”, noting that the island’s current authorities have defied the “one China” principle by “openly promoting the two-state theory, trying to achieve independence by force with the support of foreign countries, and pushing compatriots into a dangerous situation of war.”
Meanwhile, the US continues to stick to its strategy – Washington will unwind the crisis over Taiwan at any moment by putting China in a situation where it cannot help but respond militarily. This is why the US is allegedly supporting separatist sentiment in Taiwan and arming the local army for a future war, with the concomitant transfer of valuable semiconductor production to other countries. Taiwan may well play the same kamikaze role as Ukraine does.
